Tag Archives: Ohlone College

May 16, 2026

Uncategorized May 17, 2026 Leave a comment

Was in San Francisco this week – and here’s a video from my first Waymo ride!

Good morning California.
It is May 16, 2026
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Cerro Coso Community College Celebrates First CDL Graduate

Cerro Coso Community College proudly celebrates Gavin Hopkins, the first student to complete the college’s new Commercial Driver License (CDL) program, earning his Class A Driver’s License on February 25, 2026. Hopkins successfully passed his licensure examination on his first attempt after completing the college’s two-course non-credit training series. The program is designed to prepare students for immediate entry into the high-demand trucking industry through comprehensive instruction that combines classroom theory and hands-on driving experience.

» Read more!

College of the Redwoods to Launch Flexible 8-Week Course Pilot in Fall 2026

College of the Redwoods is rethinking the traditional college schedule with the launch of a new 8-week course pilot program set to begin in fall 2026. The initiative aims to increase flexibility, improve student success, and expand access to higher education. The pilot emerged from a grant-funded initiative supported by Achieving the Dream and the California Community College Foundation, with a directive to explore shorter course formats. From there, the college had the flexibility to design a model that best serves its students.

» Read more!

Coastline College’s ECHO Conference Unites California Educators
Around Equity and Student Success

Coastline College’s ECHO Conference (Equity-Centered Holistic Outcomes in Education), formerly known as the Teaching for Equity Symposium, was a great success, bringing together educators, students, and community leaders from across California. The event focused on collaboration, dialogue, and advancing equity in education. This year’s theme, “Rooted in Hope, Growing in Kinship: Advancing Equity, Empowerment, and Belonging,” invited participants to explore how equity-minded practices can foster community, opportunity, and transformation.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Adult Learners Are the New Norm

As institutions nationwide navigate the enrollment cliff, new research from the University of Kansas and Florida International University suggests that older, working and commuting students may exhibit characteristics linked to stronger persistence and completion—suggesting ways that colleges can engage with adult learners.

The study examined institutional data from the 2023–24 academic year at a large, four-year Hispanic-serving research institution in the southeastern U.S., including for more than 7,000 undergraduates in the engineering and computing programs.

Researchers found that students older than 25, those working full-time, commuters and students with dependents demonstrated better academic outcomes, including retention, six-year graduation rates and cumulative GPA. The findings suggest that characteristics often viewed as barriers may not necessarily hinder student success.

» Read more!

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9.9 Million Students Now Eligible for Pell Grants, According to New GAO Findings

A total of 9.9 million students were eligible for Pell Grants in 2024-25 – 6% more than the prior year, according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office, or GAO. The report also found that 31% more students were eligible for the maximum award of $7,395 that year, and that much of the rise in eligibility rates took place for students with household incomes of $60,001-$125,000.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Clovis Community College:

Spring Extravaganza hit different this year – music, food, games, and just good vibes all around. Everyone outside and actually enjoying campus life! Now this is what spring supposed to feel like.

*****

From Allan Hancock College:

A huge thank you to Chumash Casino Resort for donating more than 600 men’s and women’s suits to Hancock’s Career Closet. These gently used professional clothes will help students show up confidently for job interviews, internships, and new career opportunities.

*****

From Norco College:

Check out these moments from last week’s Yoga Health session! May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Remember, you are important. Your mental health is crucial. Let’s come together to prioritize our well-being!

*****

From Shasta College:

Really excited to attend the Scholarship Award Ceremony and celebrate the accomplishments of our Knights who were awarded scholarships to help their academic pursuits! Thanks to the Shasta College Foundation, we were able to give out $904,303 to deserving students. Congrats!

*****

From Ohlone College:

Hip-hip-hooray! Cheers to our Ohlone College MEChA and Puente graduates for walking the stage at this year’s MEChA/Puente Graduation. We celebrate our #Latinx students for reaching this important milestone and for their dedication to participating in MEChA and Puente.

And From the Home of the Renegades

Industrial Automation Students at BC Showcase Their Senior Projects

The Industrial Automation Department at Bakersfield College recently hosted their Senior Project Open House. The event took place in the robotics lab in the Science and Engineering building on BC’s Panorama Campus. The students proudly displayed their projects and were ready to answer questions while putting their projects into action. The senior projects are part of the requirements to receive a bachelor’s degree in the Industrial Automation program.

The public event attracted students, staff, and community members eager to see the senior projects. The projects focused on a wide variety of subject areas including agriculture, robotics, industrial processes, and more. There were more than a dozen projects on display and each one represented a culmination of an entire semester of planning, preparation, and work.

» Read more!

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Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.

That’s all for today.
See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,
-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

2026 Sterling Silver on March 14th

Uncategorized March 22, 2026 Leave a comment

But before I jump into my week, let me start with Sterling Silver, last Saturday, March 14th. It was wonderful seeing friends and colleagues.

With Kate Pluta, Nick Strobel and Janet Tarjan:

It was great connecting with Ravi and Naina Patel. I got to know the two of them very well when we worked on the Peace Gardens at BC and the Regenerative Farm project. The won the philanthropist of the year award at this year’s Sterling Silver.

Talking about the Patels, here is a blast from the past….

In 2020 the Pease Garden was established. Here is a 10-min video where the committee introduced this project to the campus. The speakers in this video include — Sonya Christian, Krista Moreland, Emma McNellis, Naina Patel, Lisa Elzy Watson, Hansa Patel, and Neeraj Rama.

And Corny Rodriguez was recognized with the Sterling Silver Service award. A

Always happy to see Mayor Karen Goh.

Talking about Corny, here is a blast from the past…..

Check out this video celebrating Corny on his retirement:

Back to Sterling Silver. Here is a photo with Romeo Agbalog, Kay Meek & Jean Fuller:

Was so happy that Jean Fuller was able to make it. Here is throwback to when Jean was recognized with the Service award.

Here is the video of Kylie introducing Jean Fuller and her work with Early College.

And another selfie with Kate, Nick & Janet –

Thankful that Janet snapped these pictures.

Here is one with Rudy Salas.

Rudy Salas brought significant resources to Bakersfield College when he was in the Assembly. He received the 2020 Sterling Silver Service Award. Check out this blast from the past. A 3-min video.

And with Yovani Jimenez

And with Norma Rojas-Mora and Gabby Gonzalez

Now, let’s move to this week…. started in Sacramento…

Spring has sprung in Sacramento. Snapped photos of azalea on my walk back with a friend from Zocalos.

More flowers –

And calla lilies –

And dogwood in bloom –

Closed out my week in San Diego.

What’s not to love about San Diego

And at night –

And the icing on the cake – when I met up with Daisy Gonzales and we did our usual walk by the waterfront.

Then it was off to the CEO symposium. Here’s a pic with Anthony Culpepper and Rowena Tomaneng:

This week was also the Rising Scholars Program Convening.

Rising Scholars now spans 104 colleges, supports students in 147 correctional facilities, and connects them to 90 on campus programs that help them continue their education after release.

Chelsea Esquibias, senior advisor at the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, started the event with a welcome and network address.

Board of Governors Member and Former President Pamela Haynes held a fireside chat moderated by Assistant Vice Chancellor Erin Larson, with panelists Tyee Griffith, program coordinator at the Prison Education Project and Matthew Caddell, Student Government President/Student Trustee at Chaffey College.

Michael Redding, deputy cabinet secretary and senior advisor for public safety at the Office of the Governor, gave the keynote address on ‘Public Safety and Higher Education.’

Good morning California.
It is March 21, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Cloverlane Foundation Funds New “Jaws of Life”
for Allan Hancock College Fire Academy

 A generous donation is helping Allan Hancock College strengthen hands-on training for the next generation of firefighters.   The Allan Hancock College Foundation received a $25,000 donation from Cloverlane Foundation to support the purchase of a state-of-the-art “Jaws of Life” extrication system for use in the college’s fire academy, along with other essential equipment for fire academy students.

» Read more!

Rep. Juan Vargas secures additional $500K in funding
for San Diego College of Continuing Education

U.S. Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-52) has secured $500,000 in federal funding for critical utility and water infrastructure improvements at San Diego College of Continuing Education.  The investment will upgrade critical campus infrastructure, strengthening SDCCE’s ability to provide hands-on workforce training to approximately 30,000 adult learners each year.

» Read more!

Long Beach City College Opens New Building MM to Help Students Build the Future

Long Beach City College hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Trades, Technology, and Community Learning Campus to celebrate the grand opening of the new Building MM complex. The facility supports the city’s growing Space Beach sector and serves as the new home for the Architecture, Anthropology, Carpentry, Horticulture, HVAC, and Plant Science programs, preparing students for careers in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and construction industries expanding across the region.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

He was an undocumented immigrant. Now he runs LA’s community colleges

When Alberto Román was a boy growing up in the Mexican state of Durango, his father was often far from home. Most times, he’d be gone for months.

Román’s father, Javier, had a third-grade education. And when work was scarce in Mexico, he’d venture north to the United Sates and take whatever job he could find.

Román missed his father terribly, and he relished the time alone with him. When his father would return to Mexico, they’d hike to a majestic statue of the revolutionary Pancho Villa, where Román and his father could also look out at their city.

Román did not know it then but, soon, that view would become a memory. When he was eight, his father returned; but, this time, Javier took his son, his daughter, and his wife with him back to the U.S. The family settled in Rialto, in California’s Inland Empire. Suddenly, Román had a new home and new challenges to contend with.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Mission College:

Mission College’s Rising Scholars program is partnering with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office on an initiative to revitalize the Elmwood Men’s Library, supporting education, personal growth, and second chances for incarcerated students. Last week marked a major milestone as decades-old furniture was replaced and new furniture donated by Mission College was installed.

*****

From Ventura College:

From galaxies to black holes, Ventura College welcomed a full crowd for an inspiring two-day astronomy experience.

We honored 100 years of science at VC with stargazing, interactive space simulations, and a vibrant evening of discovery for all ages

Dr. Cameron Hummels from CalTech lectured on black holes as part of the American Astronomical Society’s Harlow Shapley Visiting Lectures Program, a nationally recognized initiative that brings leading astronomers to colleges across the country.

Thank you to the Ventura County Astronomical Society for setting up the all the telescopes for the star watching party.

*****

From Ohlone College:

This year’s #WomenInSTEM Dinner was one for the books! Thank you to Ohlone College MESA and our Society of Women Engineers student club for connecting women leaders in #STEM with our Renegades. Cheers to bright futures and #WomensHistoryMonth

*****

From Mt. San Jacinto College:

Enjoying pizza slices and conversations with the president!

And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Beach Volleyball Makes History with First-Ever Home Matches

Bakersfield College’s beach volleyball program made history on Friday, March 6, hosting its first-ever home matches on the college’s newly constructed beach volleyball courts. The Renegades rose to the occasion, defeating Cuesta College 3-2 and Glendale 4-1 to sweep the day.

The milestone marked a significant moment for BC athletics, with the new courts giving the program a permanent home to compete and grow. The wins extended what has been a strong start to the season. BC has now won five straight and sits at 8-4 overall on the season.

All home events this season are free and open to the public.

» Follow results and see upcoming schedules!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.

That’s all for today.
See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy,

Your Chancellor
-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

The Highs and Lows of February: Love, Loss, and Everything In Between

Uncategorized February 21, 2026 Comments: 4

Two weeks’ worth of content in this blog….

Last Saturday, February 14th, rather than doing my usual “week in review” blog post, I wrote a Valentine’s Day letter to the California Community Colleges.

Here is the link if you would like to take 3 minutes to read it again. https://sonyachristianblog.com/2026/02/14/a-love-letter-to-the-california-community-colleges-on-valentines-day-2026/#comments

Week of February 9th – 13th

Throw Back to Super Bowl Sunday. I was blown away by all the amazing performances.

Brandi Carlisle performing “America the Beautiful.” Check out the video!

Charlie Puth performed the National Anthem. You can see the video here.

And Bad Bunny’s halftime performance was so joyful! I especially loved when he had special guest Lady Gaga for a song.

You can find a video of that part here.

Right after the Super Bowl, I headed out to Washington, D.C., for our annual advocacy event.

It was cold…

A few photos –

Descending to Reagan National Airport:

Can you see the ice in the water?

Another picture for you:

The view from my room:

This is what I fell asleep to:

Here is a photo with the SSCCC delegation.

Lots of photos…. I know. Was absolutely feeling every moment in DC. Last glimpse of the Washington monument as we speeded away to the airport.

Goodbye for now, DC. Until we meet again!

Got this picture of a cherry blossom from a friend – celebrating the birth of Spring 2026 back here in California.

Then there was the Community College Baccalaureate Conference, which was held in Long Beach.

Here is Pam Haynes with the team from the Chancellor’s Office.

The week of February 14th – 21st

February has highs and lows for me.
Highs – My daughter’s birthday, my best friend from high school’s birthday and Valentine’s Day… and I love Valentine’s Day!
Lows – My mom passed away and Bessie, our chocolate lab, passed away.

Pam Christian
Bessie

On Monday, February 15th, I headed back to Sacramento for meetings and the annual Assembly Higher Educational Budget Subcommittee hearing.
Then headed to San Jose to host a CEO tech tour along with the Digital Center.

We had the opportunity to visit the campuses of Google, Zoom, and Adobe. At each stop, the conversations were substantive.  From AI integration and workforce preparation to collaboration tools and the future of digital creativity. What stood out to me was not just the sophistication of the technology, but the speed at which these companies iterate and evolve. That pace challenges us to continue to revise our thinking about agility, partnerships, and how we prepare students for the world they are stepping into.

Good morning California.
It is February 21, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

West Valley College Awarded $3.9 Million Federal FIPSE Grant 

West Valley College has been awarded a $3.9 million grant for development of a new semiconductor certificate program through the U.S. Department of Education’s Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE). The four-year grant funding begins immediately and runs through December 2029. West Valley is the only community college in the state — and one of only 18 nationwide — to receive a FIPSE award in this highly competitive national funding cycle, placing the college among a small group of institutions selected across the country. 

» Read more!

Crafton Hills College formally introduces the Captain Mike Orland
San Manuel Fire Department Engine Bay to the public

On Jan. 31, Crafton Hills College unveiled the newly minted Captain Mike Orland San Manuel Fire Department Engine Bay to hundreds in attendance at a naming ceremony hosted by the Yucaipa-based college, including Orland’s mom, Margie, and colleagues. Orland, a Crafton alumnus, last worked with the San Manuel Fire Department until his retirement in 2018.

» Read more!

Santa Ana College Foundation Receives $50,000 Contribution from U.S. Bank

The Santa Ana College Foundation, which raises funding to maintain, expand and enhance the educational opportunities of Santa Ana College (SAC), today announced it has received a $50,000 contribution from U.S. Bank. The grant will be used to support internship stipends for SAC students.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Dual Enrollment Surges to 2.8 Million Students as Equity Gaps Persist

High school students taking college courses through dual enrollment programs now number 2.8 million nationwide, with community colleges serving the majority of these students, according to a new policy fact sheet released by the Community College Research Center at Teachers College, Columbia University. The February 2026 report reveals that dual enrollment has nearly doubled over the past decade, growing from approximately 1.4 million students in 2013 to more than 2.8 million in the 2023-24 academic year. Community colleges enrolled two million of these students, representing 71% of all dual enrollment participants.

» Read more!

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To Solve the Student-Attention Problem, Professors Turn to Pencils and Paper

Could students in online classes possibly focus better with less technology? Julie Bernard, an assistant professor of anthropology at East Los Angeles College who teaches a majority of her classes through an online, asynchronous format, encourages students to use whatever medium — analog or digital — is most helpful to their needs. Printed texts can be expensive, and “a lot of our decisions are always being driven by equity, by fairness, by accessibility,” Bernard said of herself and her colleagues.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Los Angeles City College:

Today LACC hosted a Black History Month Celebration in commemoration of BHM’s 100th
anniversary and celebrated the opening of the newly renovated quad area. LACC honors Black culture, history, and community with good vibes and great people!

*****

From Solano College:

Congratulations to our very own Anna Anderson, the youngest and newest member of the Team USA Women’s Karate Team. Anderson took 2nd place in her weight class at the 2026 USA Karate National Team Trials landing her a spot on Team USA . She is on track to potentially compete in the upcoming Olympics. While in Colorado, she visited the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado. Last summer she won Gold for the Women’s Under 21 Elite Point Kumite Division at the U.S. Karate National Championships and U.S. Junior Team Trials, earning her a place on the U.S. Junior Team. Anderson has big goals both on and off the mat, she is currently in our EMT program while preparing for the Fire Academy in hopes of becoming a Paramedic/Firefighter. She also is a part of Ramtown Karate. Let’s show Anderson some support from her Falcon community!

*****

From Ohlone College:

Newark is where we do our best work! In collaboration with @ACWDB, our Ohlone College Tri-Cities Career Center hosted our #STEM and #Startup#CareerFair at the Newark Center. Our Career Ed team joined in by hosting our Professional Skills lab. Cheers to bright futures!

*****

From Clovis Community College:

Still feeling the rhythm. A look back at our West African drumming experience with the Fresno African Drumming Circle energy, tradition, and hands on learning.

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Welcomes Former MLB Player Garry Templeton for Black History Month

Bakersfield College is hosting a variety of events and seminars throughout the month of February in celebration of Black History Month. This week, BC welcomed former Major League Baseball player Garry Templeton. Garry played Major League Baseball for 15 seasons, which included tenures with the St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Padres, and New York Mets. He was a three-time All-Star and was inducted into the San Diego Padres Hall of Fame in 2015.

The event took place in the Norman Levan Center, which was filled with students and staff who were eager to hear Mr. Templeton’s stories about his upbringing, career, and post-baseball life. The event began with an introduction from BC Professor Tommy Tunson, who was a childhood friend of Mr. Templeton and shared a few memories from their time growing up together. Mr. Templeton was then welcomed to the front of the room to speak.

» Read more!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.

That’s all for today.
See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,
-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

A Love Letter to the California Community Colleges on Valentine’s Day 2026

Uncategorized February 14, 2026 Comments: 12

Dear California Community Colleges:

My introduction to you happened in the late 1990s.

I arrived in Los Angeles, a foreign graduate student, trying to understand America through textbooks and LA’s RTD routes.

And then I met you.

An institution built on virtues I could not quite comprehend.

Infinite hope.
Untiring patience.
Radical non-judgment.
You met people where they were.

Not where they should have been.
Not where someone thought they ought to be.
But where they were.

You were born long before I met you in the Central Valley, where community colleges first took root in California soil.
Practical. Accessible. Close to home. Built for possibility.

And then you spread.

From the Central Valley  – Fresno, Bakersfield, Merced
you reached into the Inland Empire – Riverside, San Bernardino
out to the eastern edge of our state – the Coachella Valley, Palm Desert, Indio
up the North State – Chico, Redding
across the Bay – Oakland, Hayward, San José
down the Central Coast – Monterey, San Luis Obispo
into Los Angeles – every corner, every neighborhood in LA
and all the way to the borderlands – San Diego, Imperial Valley.

Across the Sierra foothills.
Along Highway 99.
Down the 5 and the 101.

Into farmworker towns.
Into port cities.
Into rural mountain communities.
Into urban corridors.
Where opportunity needed a doorway you became that doorway.

You evolved.

You empowered people.
You improved constantly
You innovated for students.
You added programs.
Added pathways.
Added chances.

And over three decades, I have watched you love Californians by taking action in real tangible ways.

I have seen the foster youth who carried everything they owned in a backpack walk across a commencement stage because someone at a community college refused to give up on them.

I have seen the formerly incarcerated Californian who found purpose through education, completed a certificate, earned a degree, and now gives back to their community.

I have seen the veteran, resilient, carrying both visible and invisible weight, find a Veterans Resource Center and a faculty member who said, “You belong here.”

I have seen the student with a disability navigate hallways that were once barriers and find accommodations, allies, and a future not defined by limitation but by capacity.

You do not ask for perfection.
You ask for effort.
You do not require pedigree.
You require courage.

Over two million students a year.

Two million stories of trying again.
Starting over. Leveling up.

You are accessible.
You are practical.
You are relentless in your belief that Californians deserve more.

On this Valentine’s Day, I say it plainly:

I love you, California Community Colleges,
– for your open doors.
– for your stubborn optimism.
– for believing in people before they believe in themselves.

You are California at its best.

And after three decades of watching you in motion … through reform, recession, innovation, and renewal,

I am convinced of this:

If there is an institution built on hope in America,

It is you!

With gratitude, admiration, and love
Your chancellor,
sonya

Moments that take our breath away – New Orleans

Uncategorized October 25, 2025 Leave a comment

Hello New Orleans!

At the ACCT Leadership Congress this week. My first visit to New Orleans. Absolutely fell in love with the city.

Here we are at the famous Cafe du Monde

Yovani Jimenez, Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg, Sonya Christian

Cafe du Monde is known for its cafe au lait and beignets. It’s the oldest coffee shop in New Orleans, first opening in 1862!

The shop has a simple menu, largely unchanged since it first opened – dark-roasted coffee with chicory, beignets, milk and chocolate milk, hot chocolate, fresh-squeezed orange juice. In more recent times, soda and iced coffee have been added.

Beautiful sunrise over the Mississippi –

With student Board Member Maria Blaze – an amazing young woman.

On Thursday night, wandered through the French Quarter. The energy was palpable… sound of live jazz spilling into the streets, the light of gas lamps, balconies draped in ironwork, and people all around having a great time.

Then there was St. Louis Cathedral facing Jackson Square. Way more beautiful in person than all the pictures you may have seen. Supposedly, it is the oldest continuously active Catholic church in the United States, with its first church on the site dating to 1718. 

Growing up, mom always told us: “Whenever you enter a church for the first time, close your eyes and make three wishes.” It was a quiet ritual, passed down like a family secret. I remember doing it as a child, standing next to her and it has become a habit that traveled with me across time. So even though the church was closed, I sank into the familiar ritual.

St. Louis Cathedral, is a must see if you visit New Orleans.

Life Is Not Measured By the Number of Breaths We Take,
But By the Moments That Take Our Breath Away

Wrapped up the evening sitting on the banks of the Mississippi River watching the river boats.

And back home to Neo and our walks.

Good morning California.
It is October 25, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

East Los Angeles College Students’ Lives Transformed
Through Campus Essentials Donation

Thanks to the kindness of a recent donor, students at East Los Angeles College (ELAC) received a tremendous boost to their well-being and academic success. On Friday, September 12, the ELAC Foundation, Basic Needs Center, Athletic Department, and Associated Student Union (ASU) teamed up for a shopping trip to Costco. With the generous donation, they were able to stock up on food, snacks, and basic needs items that will make a real difference for our students on campus. 

» Read more!

Mt. San Jacinto College’s Erik Ozolins Receives
National Award for Excellence in Honors Education

Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) proudly announces that Erik Ozolins, Co-Director of the Honors Enrichment Program and Professor and Chair of the Anthropology Department, has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Ron Brandolini Award for Excellence at a Two-Year Institution from the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC). This prestigious national honor recognizes exceptional faculty and administrators at two-year colleges who demonstrate outstanding leadership, teaching, and innovation in honors education.

» Read more!

First Ohlone College AA Degree Awarded at Elmwood Correctional Facility

Ohlone College’s Rising Scholars Program reached a historic milestone on September 18, 2025, when a student at Elmwood Correctional Facility became the first to earn an Associate of Arts Degree in Communication Studies. The degree, awarded with the highest honors and a perfect 4.0 GPA, reflects both academic excellence and the transformative power of education behind bars.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Making Gains in Gateway English and ESL through Dual Enrollment

In California and across the country, interest has surged in expanding access to dual enrollment (DE)—the opportunity to take college courses while in high school. Informed by abundant evidence of associated stronger high school and college outcomes, the state has enacted legislation to remove logistical hurdles and include historically underserved student populations. In the past few years, California has invested nearly $700 million to support K–12 and community college districts in these efforts. Moreover, system-level agreements and initiatives—including the Master Plan for Career Education, the CCC Roadmap, the UC and CSU Compacts, and the Golden State Pathways Program—increasingly promote increased access to DE and the completion of at least 12 college credits during high school.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Los Angeles Southwest College:

Los Angeles Southwest College proudly spent the past month honoring Hispanic Heritage Month with a vibrant lineup of events dedicated to celebrating the histories, cultures, and lasting contributions of our Hispanic and Latinx communities. Guided by an enthusiastic Planning Committee and embraced by students, faculty, staff, and neighbors, the celebration brought learning, joy, and cultural pride to every corner of campus.

*****

From Chabot College:

Tuesday we celebrated the groundbreaking for our new football stadium and track renovation!  We are very excited for the transformation thanks to the Measure A bond program. It will feature a new turf field, a reconfigured regulation track, upgraded bleachers, accessible pathways ad more! 

*****

From College of the Desert:

COD Cares… And It Shows! Students in our Culinary Catering class prepared a delicious breakfast buffet to thank our hardworking Maintenance and Operations team. Our M&O team keeps our campuses looking beautiful and running smoothly. Thank you to our M&O team for all that they do and shoutout to our culinary students for serving a delicious meal!

*****

From Irvine Valley College:

Today, we marked IVC’s official 40th birthday with sweet treats, orange soda, and a special plaque dedication honoring the legacy of the orange trees that once surrounded our campus. While the original trees are no longer standing, their spirit continues to inspire us—a proud reminder of the roots that shaped our earliest days. Here’s to our heritage that planted the seeds—and the bold possibilities ahead!

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Theater Program Celebrates Record-Breaking Success
at 41st Annual Kern Shakespeare Festival

The Bakersfield College Theater Program hosted the 41st Annual Kern Shakespeare Festival in the Edward Simonsen Performing Arts Center throughout the first two weeks of October. This year’s festival featured two Shakespearean productions – the beloved comedy Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Professor Brian Sivesind and his wife Ellie Sivesind; and the romantic comedy All’s Well That Ends Well, directed by Professor Cody Ganger.

The Shakespeare Festival has always been a well-attended event, but the 2025 offering was truly a box office smash! By the festival’s conclusion, it achieved record-breaking attendance and sales, making it the most successful event in the last five years. Much Ado About Nothing was the single best-selling production in that time period. It is the first performance to sell more than 600 tickets, with a total of 667 sold.

» Read more!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.

That’s all for today.
See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,
-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

Sonya Christian's Blog